In a swift move, President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, with the Clintons and Governors Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro quick to follow suit. However, one key figure was notably absent from the list of supporters – President Barack Obama.
A statement from the Obamas’ office praised Biden but omitted any mention of Harris. It read, “We will be navigating unchartered waters… But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.” This could be seen as advocating for an open contest rather than a direct endorsement.
Would Obama, the first black president, not want his party to make history again? If Harris wins the nomination and the election, she would be the first woman to occupy the White House.
A source close to Obama stated, “Just like he did in 2020, once Joe Biden earned the nomination, President Obama believes he will be uniquely positioned to help unite the party.” Obama did not endorse Biden in 2020 until Senator Bernie Sanders withdrew from the race.
Speculations that Obama is holding back, hoping for Michelle to secure the nomination, seem unfounded. Despite polls suggesting she could beat Donald Trump, Michelle Obama has consistently denied any presidential ambitions.
